Mineral Wells Area News

By DAVID MAY | Special to Mineral Wells Area News

For some local playoff teams their hoops hopes are already over. For others, they are just beginning.

The Gordon Longhorns claimed their second straight District 13-1A title by sweeping through district with a perfect 10-0 mark. Now, the Hermleigh Cardinals await in the opening bi-district round of the Texas UIL basketball playoffs.

The ‘Horns are looking to make a second consecutive trip to Austin, after making, but losing in, one of the Class 1A semifinal games last year. Gordon (19-3) and Hermleigh (23-11) will face off Monday at 6 p.m. at Abilene Wylie ISD.

The Cardinals enter the contest having finished fourth in District 14-1A with a 7-5 record. They average 51 points a game while allowing 40. Gordon averages 56 points a game (they won three forfeited games each by a score of 2-0) while allowing 30.

Gordon will take part in a non-playoff tournament Friday in Italy, Texas, facing Class 2A Bremond.

Speaking of District 14-1A, top 25-ranked Ira went 24-5 and a perfect 12-0 in district. On Tuesday, they will take on the Strawn Greyhounds, which finished third in District 13-1A with a 6-4 record while going 9-11 on the year. Like Gordon, the ‘Hounds had a shortened season caused by their football post-season runs.

Strawn and Aspermont will play a warm up game Friday afternoon at Abilene Cooper.

Abilene Cooper is where the Strawn Lady ‘Hounds will play their area round playoff game, facing Jayton at 6 p.m. Friday. On Tuesday, Strawn defeated Ira, 48-44, in Trent to claim a bi-district crown. Jayton advanced by handling Harrold, 61-53. Both wins gave their district-winning opponents early playoff exits.

The No. 3-ranked Lady Longhorns, which claimed the District 13-1A title, was facing Aspermont in an area-round game Thursday night in Jim Ned. The Gordon ladies advanced after winning their bi-district game Monday against Highland, 37-32. The win improved the Lady ‘Horns season record to 23-11.

The Graford Jackrabbits have a bi-district playoff date in Glen Rose on Tuesday, facing the Crawford Pirates. Playing its first season in Class 2A, the Jackrabbits finished second in District 11 behind Lipan. Crawford enters the game with a 10-8 season record following a third-place finish in District 12 with a 7-5 ledger.

The Lady Jackrabbits lost their bi-district game Monday to Crawford, 31-26.